BOP Q1 performance

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) shared its financial results for Q1 2026, as per a press release.

The bank achieved a 155 per cent surge in before-tax profit and 98pc growth in operating profit, while net interest income expanded 47pc to Rs22.1 billion, and non-interest income surged 35pc. Total assets clocked in at Rs2.5 trillion for the bank, while deposits grew by 26pc, reaching Rs1.93 trillion.

Furthermore, the bank continues to closely partner with the Punjab government, managing critical public welfare initiatives while advancing provincial development objectives. This partnership creates recurring revenue streams with stable, predictable cash flows for BOP. The bank is now focused on capturing emerging opportunities by prioritising digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, and financial inclusion.

PSO’s financial results

Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has announced its financial results for 9MFY26 ended March 31, 2026, according to a press release. Despite facing one of the most volatile operating environments in recent history, the company achieved a significant surge in profitability.

On a standalone basis, PSO recorded a robust net profit of Rs38.1 billion, representing a substantial increase over the Rs15.3bn reported during the same period last year. This momentum translated into a significant rise in earnings per share to Rs81.19, while gross sales for the period stands at Rs2.4 trillion.

The group’s consolidated performance mirrored this success, with PSO’s share climbing to Rs39.4 billion and consolidated earnings per share rising to Rs83.93, highlighting a period of exceptional profitability in PRL.

PSO, maintaining its leadership in the white oil segment with a 42.6 per cent market share with total sales of 5,163 KMT. This dominance was supported by a 42.4pc share in diesel and a 37.8pc share in MoGas. In the aviation segment, the company held an unrivalled 99.2pc market share, while the lubricants business achieved a 16pc volumetric growth. The LPG segment set a new benchmark, achieving record cumulative sales of 46,895 MT, reflecting a 10pc year-on-year increase. These results highlight PSO’s vigorous operational capabilities and its unwavering commitment to the national interest under highly volatile conditions.

KE Ventures appoints CEO

KE Ventures Company Limited (KE Ventures), a wholly owned subsidiary of K-Electric Limited (KE) established in 2020, has appointed Adeeb Ahmad as CEO, as per a press release.

KE Ventures is the strategic investment arm established to serve Karachi’s residents and entrepreneurs with services across the entire energy value-chain, marking an elevation in KE’s approach. Having deployed capital of over Rs1.3 billion in its first business, K-Solar, KE Ventures’ investment plans include renewable energy, distributed generation, E-mobility, industrial infrastructure and services, technology solutions, and fintech services.

Adeeb Ahmad, CEO at KE Ventures, said: “We look forward to capitalising on opportunities that continue to evolve and where KE’s infrastructure and access are key enablers. There is immense room for integrating new technologies and innovative services across a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors. In this pursuit, KE Ventures will, as appropriate, also seek to partner with experienced operators and investors. The move reflects our belief that the future of Karachi demands innovative energy, power and related solutions across multiple platforms and ecosystems.”

Ericsson at EU–Pak Business Forum

Ericsson underscored the transformative role of advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G in accelerating Pakistan’s digital economy at the inaugural EU–Pakistan Business Forum 2026, according to a press release.

The two-day forum, held in Islamabad, brought together senior government officials, global technology leaders, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore avenues for investment, innovation, and deeper economic cooperation between Pakistan and the EU.

At the event, Ericsson highlighted how next-generation networks and AI-driven infrastructure can unlock productivity gains across key sectors.

The discussions reinforced that connectivity is no longer a supporting utility but a core economic enabler, directly impacting competitiveness, private sector expansion, and digital inclusion.

At its exhibition booth, Ericsson showcased its latest innovations and technology capabilities, demonstrating how differentiated, high-performance networks are enabling new business models and enhancing operational efficiency.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 4th, 2026